Vegan Stuffed Shells

If you’re looking for a cozy and comforting meal to share with loved ones, these Vegan Stuffed Shells are just the ticket! This dish has a way of making any dinner feel special, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive family gathering. The creamy filling, tangy marinara, and satisfying pasta combine to create a delightful experience that everyone will enjoy. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and packed with wholesome ingredients that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This recipe comes together in just an hour, making it perfect for those hectic evenings when you need something delicious in a hurry.
• Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will love digging into these cheesy, flavorful stuffed shells. They are a hit at family dinners!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the filling and stuff the shells in advance. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
• Nutrient-Packed: With ingredients like spinach and cashews, these stuffed shells are not only tasty but also full of nutrients.
• Customizable: Feel free to get creative with flavors and fillings; there’s no wrong way to enjoy these shells!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Vegan Stuffed Shells use simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Filling

• 1/2 cup raw cashews
• 1/2 block firm tofu
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Califia Farms Oat Milk
• 9oz package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed out as much liquid as possible

For the Pasta

• 16 jumbo shells (regular or gluten-free)

For Assembly

• 16oz of your favorite marinara
• (optional) fresh basil, roughly chopped
• (optional) dairy-free cheese, shredded

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can easily adapt it based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Here are some fun ideas:

• Swap the Greens: If spinach isn’t your favorite, try using kale or Swiss chard instead for a different flavor profile.
• Add Some Spice: Mix in some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños if you like a little heat!
• Incorporate Other Veggies: Chopped mushrooms or zucchini can be added to the filling for extra texture and flavor.
• Change Up the Sauce: Experiment with different sauces like pesto or Alfredo for varied tastes.

How to Make Vegan Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. This ensures that your Vegan Stuffed Shells cook evenly and become perfectly bubbly.

Step 2: Soak the Cashews

Place the raw cashews in a heat-safe bowl. Bring 2 cups of water to boil and pour it over the cashews. Let them sit for about 10-15 minutes. Soaking helps soften them, making it easier to blend into a creamy filling.

Step 3: Cook the Shells

While your cashews soak, cook the jumbo shells according to package instructions—just remember to reduce the cooking time by about one minute so they remain slightly firm (al dente). They will continue cooking in the oven later!

Step 4: Blend Your Filling

After soaking, drain the cashews and add them to a high-speed blender along with tofu, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, kosher salt, ground black pepper, and oat milk. Blend on HIGH for 2-3 minutes until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed—this is where you can really make it your own!

Step 5: Mix in Spinach

Pour your ricotta mixture into a medium-sized bowl and gently fold in the spinach until combined. This adds not only flavor but also great nutrients!

Step 6: Assemble Your Dish

Grab a casserole dish (about 10×7 inches works well) and spread half of your marinara sauce on the bottom. One by one, fill each shell with spoonfuls of your ricotta mixture before placing them snugly in the dish. Pour any remaining marinara sauce over top.

Step 7: Add Cheese (Optional)

If you want an extra layer of creaminess, sprinkle some dairy-free cheese over the top before covering with foil.

Step 8: Bake Away!

Cover your dish with foil and pop it into your preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until bubbling hot. If you’ve added cheese, remove the foil during the last five minutes so it can melt beautifully.

Step 9: Serve with Fresh Basil

Once baked to perfection, take out your Vegan Stuffed Shells and let them cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired—it adds such lovely flavor!

There you have it—a warm plate of Vegan Stuffed Shells ready for sharing! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Vegan Stuffed Shells

Creating the perfect vegan stuffed shells is all about technique and creativity. Here are some tips to ensure your dish comes out beautifully every time!

• Soak the cashews properly – Soaking the cashews in hot water makes them softer, allowing for a smoother and creamier filling when blended. This enhances the texture of your ricotta-like mixture.

• Don’t overcook the shells – Cooking the pasta shells just under al dente ensures they don’t fall apart while baking and retain a delightful bite. Plus, they will finish cooking in the oven perfectly!

• Taste as you go – When blending your filling, always pause to taste it! Adjust seasoning with more salt, lemon juice, or nutritional yeast based on your preference. This step guarantees that your filling is bursting with flavor.

• Experiment with fillings – Feel free to add other ingredients like chopped sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes, or mushrooms to the ricotta mixture for added texture and flavor. Personalizing it makes the meal even more enjoyable!

• Let it rest before serving – Allowing the stuffed shells to sit for a few minutes after baking helps them firm up slightly and makes serving easier. It also lets the flavors meld together beautifully.

How to Serve Vegan Stuffed Shells

Serving vegan stuffed shells can be both fun and creative! Here are some ideas to elevate your dining experience.

Garnishes

• Fresh basil: Chopped fresh basil adds a burst of color and a fragrant aroma that complements the dish wonderfully.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkling some crushed red pepper flakes on top brings a delightful kick.
• Vegan parmesan: A sprinkle of dairy-free parmesan provides an extra layer of flavor and gives your dish that classic Italian touch.

Side Dishes

• Garlic bread: Warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover marinara sauce on your plate. It’s a comforting addition that pairs well with pasta dishes.

• Steamed broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli not only adds vibrant color but also offers a healthy crunch that balances out the richness of the stuffed shells.

• Mixed green salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a balsamic vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the warm pasta dish.

• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies such as bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots bring an earthy flavor profile that complements the stuffed shells beautifully while adding more nutrients to your meal.

I hope these tips and serving suggestions inspire you to create an unforgettable meal! Enjoy every bite of your delicious vegan stuffed shells!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Vegan Stuffed Shells are perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time and store them for later, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the stuffed shells to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Prepare the stuffed shells as instructed but do not bake them.
• Place the assembled shells in a freezer-safe dish and cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
• If frozen, thaw the shells in the fridge overnight first.
• Cover with foil and bake for about 25-30 minutes, until heated through. If they were previously baked, reheat uncovered for about 15-20 minutes.

FAQs

If you have questions about this recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:

Can I make Vegan Stuffed Shells gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free jumbo shells, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free version that everyone can enjoy.

How can I add more flavor to my Vegan Stuffed Shells?

You can enhance the flavor by adding herbs like oregano or thyme to the ricotta mixture or mixing in sun-dried tomatoes or olives before stuffing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Vegan Stuffed Shells?

Yes! Feel free to swap out cashews for other nuts or seeds if you prefer, or use different leafy greens instead of spinach. The recipe is versatile!

How do I know when my Vegan Stuffed Shells are done baking?

Your stuffed shells are ready when the marinara sauce is bubbling and any added dairy-free cheese is melted and slightly golden.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Vegan Stuffed Shells! This recipe is not only a delightful plant-based dish but also a wonderful way to bring family together around the dinner table. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to get creative with your toppings or fillings. Happy cooking!